We understand that starting the Estate Planning process can seem like a chore. That’s why we’ve devised our simple Estate Planning forms. You can get the process started quickly & conveniently with a power of attorney or a living will.

What are my options?

Power of Attorney (Financial) - This lets you determine who will handle your finances & legal matters regarding your finances should you ever be in a situation where you are unable to.

Power of Attorney (Health) - This lets you determine who will handle your health care decisions should you ever be in a situation where you are unable to.

Limited Power of Attorney (POA) - This allows you to choose someone to handle health care decisions for you, your child or another member of your family for a limited amount of time. Limited POAs are temporary.

Living Will - This estate planning form describes how you wish to be cared for in the event that you are on life support or if you fall into a persistent vegetative state. It addresses important questions, detailing your preferences for tube feeding, artificial hydration, and pain medication in certain situations. (Living wills are most effective when combined with other estate planning forms such as a Health POA.)

What’s the difference between a Living Will and a Last Will & Testament?

While the names are similar, these two estate planning forms have completely different purposes. A Living Will states your wishes regarding life support in the event that you are in a persistent vegetative state or irreversible coma and cannot communicate your wishes. A Last Will and Testament dictates the way that that your assets will be distributed and utilized following your death.

They are vastly different documents. After death, the Living Will can grant consent to an autopsy, bequeath anatomical gifts, and direct the disposition of your remains (whether you wish to be buried, or cremated, or neither.) Most other posthumous decisions are addressed in a Last Will and Testament.

Need a full scope Estate Plan? Sometimes a Living Will or Power of Attorney isn’t enough to protect all of your assets. In these situations, it’s best to meet with one of our Estate Planning Attorneys who will access your situation and provide you an individualized plan. Please contact our office: 618.659.4499 or info@sivialaw.com, to set-up an in person consultation.

About Sivia

In 2006, Todd Sivia had a big idea. He wanted to build a law practice that could provide far more than expert legal counsel. He wanted to offer his clients a full spectrum of services that would assist them in planning for all of life’s adventures. We call it 360° Thinking. Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. goes beyond the scope of a traditional legal firm. We offer personalized solutions for you, your family and your business. We want to understand your plans for the future.